Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos Claims

Cancer

Pleural Plaques

Pleural Thickening

Mesothelioma

• Compensation
  
• Symptoms
  
• Treatment
  
• Solicitors
  

Asbestosis

• Damages
  
• Lawyer
  

This condition is a type of cancer which is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The family of someone exposed to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma symptoms as asbestos fibres can be carried home on clothing.

Sufferers of this cancer who contracted the disease through exposure to asbestos are entitled to financial compensation. Recovering money can in no way compensate for the physical and emotional pain of this illness, but easing financial worries can help sufferers and their families concentrate on recovery and rehabilitation. Anyone that believes they have been exposed to asbestos should seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor.

Unfortunately this illness is difficult to diagnose. This is partly because the disease has few symptoms in its early stages. The cancer targets the cells which surround the lining of internal organs; in particular the lungs and the abdomen. Symptoms only develop when the cancer grows and begins to put pressure on a nerve or another body organ. These symptoms vary depending on which type the patient is suffering from.

The following two sets of symptoms are not exclusively associated with cases of this disease and can be caused by other, far less serious problems. However, it is advised that you contact your doctor if you have these symptoms. This is particularly important if you have ever been exposed to asbestos.

There are two predominant types of this condition:

Pleural – this affects the lining of the lung called the pleura

Peritoneal - this affects the lining of the abdomen and is less common

Asbestos is made of tiny fibres which irritate the cells in the lining of the lung, if they are breathed in. This can cause Pleural Mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibres can also be coughed up and swallowed after being breathed in. In this way they can get into the peritoneum and cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Pleural symptoms include;

• Lower back pain or pain in the side of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Fevers and sweating
• Weight loss
• Husky or hoarse voice
• Painful or difficult swallowing
  
  
  

Peritoneal symptoms include;

• Swelling and pain in the abdomen
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhoea

The condition is caused by asbestos fibres getting into, either, the lining of the lung, or the lining of the abdomen. There are two pleural membranes inside our lungs and a gap between them called the pleural space. These fibrous sheets produce a lubricating fluid which protects the lungs and helps us to breathe. When asbestos causes a tumour to form in the pleura the lungs are not able to move smoothly and breathing becomes difficult and painful. This causes the pleural mesothelioma symptoms. There is also a tissue lining inside the abdomen called the peritoneum. This helps protect everything in the abdomen by producing a lubricating fluid which ensures the organs move smoothly. When asbestos particles get inside the peritoneum they can cause a tumour to form. This tumour leads to problems with the organs inside the abdomen.

We are a national network of specialist personal injury solicitors with extensive experience of asbestos related disease compensation claims using the no win no fee scheme. Damages are paid in full with no deductions and our claim service is completely risk free. For free advice just complete the contact form and a member of The Law Society panel of personal injury experts will telephone you with no obligation.